Statin Medication Article

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High Cholesterol Medication Facts

With the countless ads for high cholesterol medication, do you really know any more about them than before these high cholesterol medication ads started running on television? Sure, you might be able to recall a few of the most easily recognizable ones, but, do you feel comfortable with your current level of knowledge about these medications? It is with this in mind, that this article will focus on not only what constitutes a high cholesterol medication, but also how it works and why some drugs are more appropriate for some, but not others.

The most popular medications used to lower cholesterol are known as Statins. You may recognize them under their trade names more easily, but their chemical names are fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, louvastatin, and atorvastatin. Notice that all compounds end with statin? That delineates their status as statins. The way that statins work is by inhibiting the HHG-CoA reductase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for controlling the rates of cholesterol production in the human body. These drugs have been shown to have large reductions in both heart attack and heart disease mortalities. Due to the positive effects that the drugs have shown on lowering LDL levels, this class of medications is still the most prescribed by physicians for their patients with high cholesterol.

Statins also reduce high triglyceride levels and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels to a degree. Remember, HDL is known as High Density Lipoprotein.

How well are Statins tolerated? The great news is that many patients are able to tolerate the medications quite well. Many experience no side effects at all. Of those having side effects, most report GI problems such as upset stomach, constipation, gas and abdominal pain with cramping. Usually most of these symptoms are mild in nature and go away after your body gets used to the medication.

Are there any cases of more serious side effects being reported? As with any high cholesterol medication, there can be a very small amount of patients who do have serious problems with the statins. Some of these problems are elevated liver values and muscle pain, weakness, and soreness. And urine that is dark brown in nature has been reported and these symptoms should be reported immediately to your doctor.

What about other drugs that are considered to be a high cholesterol medication? Well, the next class of high cholesterol medications are known as Bile Acid Sequestrants. Doesn't sound too appetizing does it? Despite the name, these medications work by binding with bile acids that contain cholesterol. This happens in the intestines and is passed out of the body in the stool. In some cases, doctors prescribe a Statin drug to work concurrently with your Bile Acid Sequestrant. The results have been impressive in that LDL levels have been lowered as much as 40 percent or more, using the combination of the two types of drugs.Colesevelam, Colestipol, and Cholestryamine are the three major Bile Acid Sequestrants available at this time. They come in either powder or tablet forms.

Another type of high cholesterol medication is called Nicotice Acid. Niacin is the more commonly known name. It is part of the water soluble vitamins, known as B vitamins. This vitamin has been shown to decrease lipoprotein levels. The problem is that these dosages are well above the normal intake levels that most folks take. Therefore, it is important to be closely monitored by your physician for any side effects.

We have briefly touched on the current high cholesterol medications. Each high cholesterol medication has its Pros and Cons. Some medications work better together, than apart. In the end, it is important to remember that there is at least one high cholesterol medication that is available to help you in your fight against high cholesterol. Consult your family doctor or cardiologist to find out which high cholesterol medication is right for you.

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